First Layout Finished

Thanks.

The Texaco station is a modified Bar Mills kit. The kit is just the station. I scratchbuilt  the back portion which is a repair garage at ground level and an upstairs apartment.

The station itself backed up to a post war switch machine. I decided to build the add-on in order to conceal the switch, which is why there is an open space at the back.

Bar Mills had a feature on this modification on their website last year.

You can get the Texaco Station kit from Bar Mills - but only by direct order on their website -- >> http://www.barmillsmodels.com 

You will find it in the kit section in the "Kits under $50.00" section. Unfortunately that's for the HO version. The "O" version is $89.95.

I agree w/ you, CarGuy, and his layout is a handmade masterpiece. He has an artist's-eye and hands. I esp. love that diner w/ the blue florescent tubing around the front window, to mention only a fraction ofwhat I admre in Frank53's very skilled craftwork, make that artwork.

 Frank M.

P.S. I'd love to see his entire adventure/journey w/ that layout chronicled in a book.

The rails are painted on both sides using Floquill "Roof Brown." If you paint the track before installing, you can mask and spray. If not, you can brush it on. You can spray it by masking it. I added three extra ties between each metal tie. I used a supply of wood ties I had on hand and when I ran out, I glued two quarter square pieces together and sprayed them using Wal-Mart Color Place flat black. In addition to adding ties, I placed a wood tie within the hollow gap of the metal ties. The ties are overly wide - as is the case with all tube track 

I ballasted all the track and tinted the glue/water mixture with "Burnt Umber." I applied several dabbing coats of diluted Burnt Umber to the ballast. I finished it off by using Alcohol/India Ink wash on the ballast to get it good and grimy.   

Thousands of pictures . . . 

Frank

Is the Lionel Building no longer on the layout?

Frank53,

Thank You for the info. I really like the look of weathered tubular rail with extra ties. NICE.....not to mention the fact that it is "prototype" for Lionel Trains!

Rick.

Really impressive....nice job!

Right in the middle, hiding the door to the outside:

And I would be more than happy to feature Frank's layout in the magazine (as an expanded feature) if he is willing and able to do it.  As I understand it, he may already be committed elsewhere.

Allan Miller

 "he may already be committed elsewhere"

If that is the case, perhaps a "tech" article on one aspect of his layout such as Lighting or Scenery or even his Photograghy could be considered.

Rick.

Thanks for the consideration Allan. I have had a commitment from Roger for several years now for "whenever it is finished" and must honor that promise.

Rich and I have discussed a number of "how to" articles I have in the hopper and I would welcome the opportunity to pursue any of those. 

That's certainly one of the all-time great layouts.

I think there might be a word that fits, here.

Masterpiece -

A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship

An artist's or craftsman's best piece of work

Ya, that word seems appropriate!

My compliments, Frank.

Rick

Beautiful work, as many others have, I have also admired your progress over the years. This layout is truly museum quality.

Frank,

Please do an article for the OGR Magazine. I for one would like to more about your great looking layout, and your modeling techniques.

I would welcome and be happy to consider any how-to articles you choose to submit.  I am always in need of how-to articles.

It's a shame that we won't be able to give an expanded "tour" of your fine layout, but I respect your prior commitment in that regard.  I can't imagine they'll give it the sort of 12-page-or-more treatment I had in mind, but that's water over the dam (or under the bridge) and I'm sure my friend Roger will do it up fine.

When you find the time, just send me a list of possible how-to articles you would like me to consider and I'll incorporate them into the schedule.  Could use several in the remaining issues for this year.

Others here who have good how-to features (or layout features) in mind that they would like to share are certainly welcome and encouraged to contact me.

Wow looks great Frank

 And thank-you for using tubular,that's what I'm gonna use.

Frank,

Great looking layout. It pays to take your time and be thoughtful of the area. Thanks again for posting the layout.

David

And I would say you did a very very good job. The details are what makes it come alive!

Absolutely spectacular. 

Absolutelty  Beautiful!  Unbelievable-

Just wow! To see the modest first picture makes the subsequent ones even more impressive.

I left my comments across the street on your layout, so I won't do it again here.

I do like the title of this post, though, because I'm looking forward to the SECOND layout completion.

Frank,

It's come a long way. Beautiful layout.

You can't see my face but it is green with envy...all I can say is wow!!!!

Great work

Frank....somehow I missed this thread until now so am glad I noticed it!!  I told Frank long ago how much I admired his work.  Words just don't express the talent he has for "seeing" the details.  If I were a miniature person I would want to be on Frank's layout for sure!  He is up there with the all time greats....the masters....the artists that inspire.  He is proof positive that the size of the layout has nothing to do with the quality of the work....his touch is certainly gold in this case!!  AND to make all of this even better....to top off the icing on the cake, Frank is always so generous with his knowledge and willingness to help his fellow modelers....

Frank....we are proud to have someone of your ability in the hobby and are equally proud to have you as a member of our Mid America 3-Railer group.  I am looking forward to the CTT article and I am willing to bet that OGR would still do a full fledged spread on your layout since there are so many details to see....one article could never capture all of the grandeur!!

Thanks for the beautiful pictures....

Alan

Frank,

Simply amazing, you are a true craftsman

Alex

WOW, a work of art!

Frank, thank you for sharing your marvelous work.  Your level of accomplishment will be an inspiration to do better.  As others have said, it is both a happy day and a sad day once a layout is "complete".

Happy railroading,

Don

Absolutely fantastic work. Beautiful. 

Thank you very much for your comments. Some new photos:

Boy oh boy.That's a gorgeous Layout.

Bryan

Fabulous!!!  Good to see you posting here again. 

David

I missed this thread till Frank posted a link in another. 

I've admired Frank's work since joining this Forum several years ago.  I believe you would run out of superlatives before you could accurately describe this work of art. 

Magnificent Frank; simply magnificent! 

Curt

If there is ever to be an O-Gauge Hall Of Fame you've certainly set the standard.  Looking forward to your spread in CTT.

No wonder it took so long, it is fabulous! I know I will see your layout in a magazine spread soon! Sit back and enjoy your beautiful creation, we all will.

Outstanding, Frank.  But what's next.

Bud

What else can be said WOW, Fantastic, Outstanding!!! 

I could only hope to have a layout half that nice some day.

Ditto the WOW !!!

Very nice Frank, I remember when it was in the early stages. Enjoyed those Friday night chat sessions, were very encouraging. I have just started working on my layout and trains a little after more or less ignoring it for the last couple years, mostly to clear up the clutter so I can start rebuilding.

Great work!